Tag Archives: Sports Licensing

Hasbro relaunches sports collectibles brand Starting Lineup

Posted on by

Hasbro has announced a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) for the highly anticipated re-launch of Starting Lineup, an iconic sports collectibles brand.

Launching this autumn in partnership with Fanatics, the global digital sports platform, the Starting Lineup brand will feature legendary NBA superstars as part of its first wave of figures and will be available for pre-order starting September 22 exclusively on Hasbro Pulse and across the Fanatics network of online sites, including Fanatics.com, and official league stores. The Starting Lineup collectible will also include an exclusive, officially licensed Panini NBA trading card.

“The NBA and NBPA are tremendous partners for the return of the Starting Lineup brand, and we cannot wait for fans to experience some of the biggest names in the league as action figures,” says Eric Nyman, President and COO of Hasbro. “The return of one of the most beloved sports collectibles brands of all time would not be complete without the inclusion of fan-favourite NBA superstars.”

The revamped Starting Lineup brand will continue its legacy of bringing fans and collectors their favourite athletes in action figure form but with design like never before in a highly articulated 6” scale.

“We look forward to the relaunch of Starting Lineup in the coming months as we meet the excitement of our fans and additionally introduce a new generation to these collectibles,” says Brian Keegan, Head of Trading Cards, Memorabilia and Hardgoods at the NBA. “Through our partnership with Hasbro, these figures provide our fans a unique opportunity to build upon their connection to our game and their favourite players.”

“We are thrilled to be partners with Hasbro and Panini in relaunching this iconic brand,” adds Inky Son, VP of Licensing for THINK450, the innovation engine of the NBPA. “Working together, we hope to continue to reimagine the possibilities for sports collectibles and action figures while also amplifying our collective players’ profiles on these platforms.”

The original Starting Lineup brand developed a massive following for more than a decade by bringing sports enthusiasts figures of their favourite superstar players accompanied by a trading card, and the introduction of notable NBA players will be the first of an all-new era of major athletes joining its classic heritage. Hasbro is also working with OneTeam Partners, a Washington, D.C.-based firm, on the athlete and creative marketing campaign.

For more information on the upcoming launch of the Starting Lineup brand, visit Hasbro Pulse | Where Fans Come First.

Superclub joins forces with Bundesliga to launch new board game

Posted on by

Superclub, the football manager board game, today announced it has partnered with the German football league Bundesliga to launch a new official licensed expansion pack, in a deal facilitated by IMG on behalf of Bundesliga International, subsidiary of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga.

Set to launch October 2022, the Bundesliga-branded expansion pack will include licensed player cards depicting players from all 18 Bundesliga teams, and also introduce an entirely new way of playing the game by mixing the Bundesliga players with the beloved Superclub characters in the main game. The game can also be played using only Bundesliga players for the most authentic Bundesliga season experience.

“The Bundesliga is easily one of the best football leagues in the world with some of the best world-class players,” says Kjetil Hetlevik Johansen, CEO of Superclub. “We’re looking forward to working with Bundesliga and are excited to collaborate on this new product. Superclub has enjoyed an incredible reception from football fans since it was first launched in English in October 2020. The first licensed club expansions followed a year later, and league expansions are a natural next step.”

Audun Egenberg, Creative Manager of Superclub, says: “Managers can choose whether they want to play a Bundesliga-only game, or if they want to mix the Bundesliga IP with the original Superclub game. Naturally, the main game is being translated into German, but the Bundesliga expansion pack will also be playable in other languages. We can’t wait to share our game with the Bundesliga faithful around the world.”

“We are proud to have connected Bundesliga with a partner who has football expertise and the passion to create a game that allows consumers to play ‘football as it’s meant to be’ and to recreate the amazing Bundesliga atmosphere at home,” says Sven Thierhoff, VP of Licensing at IMG.

IMG will also play an important part of the game development and launch strategy in the months to come.

To find out more about the game, visit www.superclubgame.com.

 

Fanatics strengthens international business with Matthew Primack hire

Posted on by
Fanatics, the leading global digital sports platform, has announced the appointment of Matthew Primack as Senior Vice President, International Business Development.
Primack, who began in his new role this month, will be responsible for building on Fanatics’ strong international growth through the acquisition of new rights and commercial routes to market.
Fanatics’ international presence has grown significantly in recent years, with the company now operating more than 40 offices, manufacturing facilities and fulfilment centres in 11 countries across the world. Primack, who will be based in London, will look to enhance Fanatics’ world class business development function, capitalising on the company’s innovative business model and global capabilities to establish new long-term partnerships.
Primack was previously the long-term Senior Vice President at IMG Licensing, responsible for leading a global team of specialist sales, marketing, product and operations executives. In his leadership role at IMG, Primack designed and delivered licensed consumer product extension businesses for a broad portfolio of high-profile brands in sport, entertainment, gaming, corporate IP, and celebrity personalities. He will report into Fanatics President of Business Affairs, Gary Gertzog.
“Matt’s experience and extensive network within the world of sport and entertainment will be invaluable as we look to accelerate our international growth,” said Gertzog. “Fanatics has an established global business that serves millions of sports fans across the world every year and Matt’s expertise will help us to build new partnerships to enable us to reach more fans, whichever team they support and wherever they are in the world.”
Zohar Ravid, currently General Manager and Head of Corporate Development for Fanatics’ International business, will shift his focus into a new role to lead Global Corporate Development across all of Fanatics’ businesses. From mid-2022 Ravid will be based out of Fanatics’ New York office and alongside his new responsibilities will continue in his work with the company’s global partners.
Fanatics partners with many of the largest sporting organisations in the world including Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, The FA, UEFA, NFL, NBA and Formula One.

WildBrain CPLG kicks off MENA representation for FC Bayern München and Paris Saint-Germain FC

Posted on by

WildBrain CPLG, one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agencies, has grown its roster of high-profile football club brands in MENA, signing representation for globally recognised clubs FC Bayern München and Paris Saint-Germain FC (PSG), which is managed by Fanatics, a global leader in licensed sports merchandise. The deals expand the agency’s sports representation to seven globally recognised football club brands.

Additionally, the agency will handle rights for FC Bayern München in Israel, along with an expanded remit for FC Barcelona in that territory, while in India, it will add FC Bayern München and Juventus to its representation slate.

The new representations expand on WildBrain CPLG MENA’s portfolio of many of the world’s most successful football club brands, including Arsenal, FC Barcelona, Juventus, Liverpool FC and Manchester City, with extensive partners signed across a number of key categories.

Existing licensees include Sun Ce for back-to-school, Andy Enterprises for apparel at Babyshop, Riva Fashion for kids’ lifestyle apparel, Esal for footballs and Todo Mundo for apparel, with a new deal signed for health and beauty products with My Perfumes for Liverpool FC, FC Barcelona and Juventus.

Neesha Krishna, Managing Director MENA and South Asia, says: “The opportunities presented by these new additions to our football portfolio are very exciting and both clubs have a squad of not only exceptional players but international superstars.

“PSG is currently one of the fastest growing brands in football. FC Bayern München, which has the highest number of club members worldwide, is renowned for its consistent presence at the top of the sport. These brands are natural additions to our top-level sports pillar, which we are looking to grow and expand across new markets through our global presence.”

WildBrain CPLG India is the agency’s newest office and represents entertainment, lifestyle, and sporting properties from the agency’s portfolio, including Yale and Harvard universities, Tetris, Archie Comics, emoji® – The Iconic Brand, Juventus Football Club and OSPREY LONDON, plus Authentic Brands Group’s celebrity brands Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Muhammad Ali, fashion brands Aéropostale and Nine West and Prince.

WildBrain CPLG India will also focus on broadening licensing activity to support the ambitious global strategy for WildBrain’s proprietary brands, including Strawberry Shortcake and the Teletubbies.

 

FC Barcelona taps IMG for Southeast Asia licensing programme

Posted on by

Five-time UEFA Champions League winning football club FC Barcelona has appointed IMG as its master licensee in Southeast Asia to develop a consumer products programme for fans in the region.

Part of the club’s broader merchandising strategy and evolution into a global lifestyle brand, the multi-year deal will see IMG focus on lifestyle and fashion apparel, accessories, luggage and bags, gift and novelty, homeware and textiles, and digital and tech product categories.

Miki Yamamoto, SVP of Licensing, IMG, says: “FC Barcelona is one of the most recognised football clubs in the world and there’s huge untapped potential for brand extension in Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, where football has always been extremely popular. This, combined with Barça fans’ unwavering passion for the club and desire to show support for their team, presents extensive licensing opportunities in the region.”

Barça Licensing and Merchandising (BLM) is working with leading companies like IMG to expand FC Barcelona’s lifestyle footprint and provide a 360-degree merchandising experience for Barça fans around the world.

Full throttle for Formula One as its kids’ fan engagement outpaces football, says The Insights Family

Posted on by

More children are tuning in to the Formula One brand than ever before, with numbers rising by 2.85 million in key European markets alone, and outpacing the growth rate of fans flocking to football, new research from The Insights Family has revealed.

The global motorsport brand has witnessed a 17 per cent year on year increase, from 17.3 million to 20.1 million, representing a faster growth rate than football, which, according to the company, only grew by six per cent.

Finding from a recent study commissioned by Formula One will now go on to help shape the brand’s approach in engaging with the generation of fans as it continues to build on a digital infrastructure it has created since Liberty Media took over back in 2017.

Working with The Insights Family, F1 ran a combination of qualitative and quantitative research across seven markets with a total sample size of 162,774 kids aged 12-18 with the objective of understanding what the ‘fan of the future’ looks like. Key findings from the research uncovered a varying shift in interests of the younger generation.

These findings include that:

  • Generation Z now has a greater level of interest in esports than traditional sports.
  • Instagram and TikTok are where young people are consuming content now, rather than Twitter and Facebook.
  • Content on the official F1 social media channels was very well received by the group.
  • Having behind the scenes access helps them understand more about the sports participants and their back stories. Those interested in the engineering and innovation of F1 cars are particularly attracted to documentaries too.
  • ‘Drive To Survive’ viewers tended to enjoy it thoroughly and valued the additional insight it gave them.
  • There was strong interest in hearing about the history of F1, including the evolution of the cars and icons of the sport.
  • Interest in engineering and technology was more often spoken about as an entry point than races themselves, with UK 10-18s who aspire to be an engineer being 86% more likely than average to watch F1.

Despite sport in general fiercely competing with music, video games, film and TV, technology, and fashion for the attention of the younger generation, the efforts of F1 to put its own stamp on these areas of modern culture have already reaped rewards.

F1 is currently the second fastest growing sport on social media with a year-on-year growth of 36 per cent, as fans continue to flock to the platforms for race highlights, driver content and behind the scenes clips, with Instagram and TikTok especially crucial for the 15-18 age range. YouTube also continues to be a prominent channel for young fans – an area F1 has already explored, streaming the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix free on the platform in selected markets.

“Whilst there is no surprise that the binging of TV shows is now a huge part of people’s lives, there has never been more demand for sports documentaries, recounting iconic moments or giving insight into the personal lives of sporting heroes,” says The Insights Family. “That notion was evident within these focus groups as they crave behind the scenes access and more information on the lives and back stories of the F1 drivers.

“The popularity of Emmy-nominated docuseries ‘Drive to Survive’ on Netflix is undeniable as the production provides insight from the drivers at the heart of the action through dramatic storytelling. Additionally, the history and engineering of the sport also captured the attention of the participants. As part of the sport’s 70th Anniversary celebrations in 2020, F1 produced ‘Race to Perfection’ with Sky Sports detailing the innovation and pioneering nature of the sport as some of the world’s most powerful vehicles have developed over the last seven decades.”

Globally, 41 per cent of kids aged three to 18 now engage with esports, marking a 22 per cent increase year-on-year according to the report. The firm’s research also indicates that Generation Z now has a greater level of interest in esports than traditional sports, an area F1 is already strong in given the success of the F1 Esports Series events and Virtual Grands Prix, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The likes of Lando Norris, George Russell, and Charles Leclerc were the stars of the show, as the Virtual Grands Prix series achieved over 30m views across TV and digital, and the record-breaking 2020 F1 Esports Pro Series saw a 98 per cent increase on viewership from the previous year,” says The Insights Family.

Research found younger males especially are huge fans of the official F1 video games because it ‘gives them the chance to feel what it is like to be in the cockpit of the car’, as well as see the world’s most iconic race circuits at track level. Esports and gaming has been key for F1 as an entry point to fandom as the younger generation continues to become increasingly embedded in the virtual world.

Interest in engineering and technology was also a common entry point, with many of the participants expressing ‘fascination at the extraordinary innovation on show throughout the sport.’ STEM education has become an important subject for F1, and the brand notes that this ‘will continue through the reaffirmed WeRaceAsOne movement’, which was made earlier this year, as well as the upcoming Aramco F1 in Schools World Finals which took place in June.

The Insights Family data shows that teens who favour STEM subjects at school are 64 per cent more likely to be a fan of F1.

Ellie Norman, director of marketing and communications at Formula 1®, said: “We are always thinking of creative and innovative ways to engage with new audiences and showcasing the sport that hundreds of millions of fans around the world already know and love, so it’s great to see that the work we’re doing to target new and younger audiences is paying dividends.

“Through the use of social and digital platforms, we’ve been able to break down our often complex sport for the next generation of fans, as they begin their own Formula 1® journey.”

Nick Richardson, founder and CEO at The Insights Family, said: “This generation are super-informed and constantly connected. They have access at a very young age to every bit of content they could possibly want. This presents both challenges and opportunities for content creators, brands, and properties.

“The proactive approach of Formula 1®, to invest in research and develop a new generation of fan strategy is very much a best-in-class approach. The results we have seen in our Kids Insights trackers across their key markets speak for itself – it’s working.”

British balance bike firm Kiddimoto renews licensing deal with MotoGP champion Marc Marquez

Posted on by

The Somerset based balance bike business, Kiddimoto has renewed its partnership with the eight time MotoGP world champion, Marc Marquez to continue its officially licensed Marc Marquez 93 Wooden Balance Bike and accessory range.

The partnership has been renewed as the company celebrates its 18th year in business this September with the launch of a new look website, investment in marketing and communications and some revamped branding for 2021, as well as the introduction of new, sustainable packaging.

The firm’s range of MM93 Wooden Balance Bikes has been a strong seller, tapping into a market of ‘wannabe racing stars’ with a host of lookalike features including a twin ‘exhaust’, tank and aerodynamic tail, and rotating handlebar grips.

“I am a massive MotoGP fan,” said Simon Booth, Kiddimoto founder and director. “Superbikes were the inspiration of our first toddler balance bike back when we began in 2003. Securing world leading champions like Marc Marquez means we continue to be at the top of our game, just like him – what he can do on a bike is insane.

“We are so lucky to have been able to work directly with Marc for all this time and are enormously proud he remains in the Kiddimoto Team paddock, along with other motorcycling legends.”

The MM93 MotoGP Wooden Balance Bike retails at RRP £119.99 and is billed as the perfect first ‘mini motorbike’ balance bike for children aged 18 months to five years. It is one of three dinky ‘motorbikes’ in the Kiddimoto range which boasts reigning world MotoGP champion, Juan Mir’s Suzuki superbike, and the iconic Evel Knievel’s stunt bike too.

Crafted to be lightweight and light on the planet thanks to its environmentally friendly wooden frame, water-based paint and uncoated cardboard packaging, the range has been tested beyond UK and EU toy safety standards with a robust build quality, slick race tyres, and ergonomic design.

The Marc Marquez collection also includes matching helmet, bell and glove.

Formula 1 eyes moves into NFT and Cryptocurrency through Crypto.com global partnership

Posted on by

Formula 1 has embarked on a new partnership with Crypto.com that woll see the global crypto platform become a global partner, an inaugural partner for the sport’s new Sprint series this year, and the official Formula 1 NFT partner.

Under the deal, Crypto.com will have a trackside presence at every race for the remainder of the season as it continues to grow its brand awareness on an international stage. With 10 million users worldwide, Crypto.com is recognised as one of the world’s fastest growing crypto platforms.

As Formula 1 continues with its plans to explore new ways for fans to engage and become more immersed in the sport, Crypto.com will also become the Official Cryptocurrency Sponsor and NFT Partner for the motor sport brand. Mirroring the fan-first approach F1 has adopted to engage with new audiences, Crypto.com aim to democratize the world of cryptocurrency for fans, through education and experiences in the new partnership.

Crypto.com will also present a brand new award, which will be announced ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Aligning with the sustainability plans for Formula 1 to be Net Zero Carbon as a sport by 2030, Crypto.com laid out an ambitious pledge in May 2021 to become carbon negative within 18 months. It aims to offer the industry a path and a model for ‘clean crypto’ by late 2022. This plan will initially focus on an assessment of the carbon generated through cryptocurrency trading, deposit and withdrawal activities across all of its own platforms.

Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO, Formula 1, said: “We are pleased to welcome Crypto.com to the Formula 1 family, as we continue to attract progressive global brands anchored in performance and innovation.”

Ben Pincus, director of commercial partnerships at Formula 1, added: “We are thrilled to announce Crypto.com as a Global Partner and lead partner of the Sprint event as we bring this exciting new format to fans for the first time this year. We will rely heavily on their expertise as we explore the world of cryptocurrency, an area we are very interested in, and this will be the first time as a sport we are able to offer fans the opportunity to explore this exciting world as we further increase our digital presence.

“Crypto.com is revered in the industry and its experience was key in the decision to partner with them, as well as the company’s commitment to becoming carbon negative, as we continue to move towards sustainability goals of our own.”

Kris Marszalek, co-founder and CEO of Crypto.com, said: “We are extremely proud to be the first cryptocurrency sponsor of Formula 1, joining a prestigious collection of brands supporting a sport with technology and innovation at its core. We look forward to many years of innovating together, and will begin at the Belgian Grand Prix where we will present a brand new award.

“We’re also excited to partner with F1 in the development of exclusive NFTs, connecting fans to the sport in new and innovative ways.”

The partnership between Formula 1 and Crypto.com was facilitated by CAA Sports, the global representative for F1.

UFC launches global consumer rewards programme on licensed products with Fabacus

Posted on by

The technology start-up, Fabacus has partnered with the mixed martial arts organisation, UFC, to launch a global consumer rewards programme for fans purchasing UFC licensed products.

In a deal brokered by IMG, the Fabacus platform – which connects global brand owners with their consumers – will supply the technology to enable fans worldwide to redeem an array of exclusive UFC experiences, rewards, and content.

Through Fabacus, UFC will have the potential to engage on a one-to-one bases with its global fanbase of some 625 million followers, by offering them access top the programme. This programme will feature rewards including UFC’s new exclusive outfitting and apparel partner VENUM, along with other brands signing up with the platform later in the year.

Andrew Xeni, CEO and founder of Fabacus, said: “We’re delighted that UFC has chosen Fabacus to further enrich the experience of UFC fans throughout the world. We believe this is the first time a global licensor has been able to curate a campaign in this unique way, simultaneously across multiple partners, categories, and territories, delivering personalised experiences to the fans that are buying their licensed products.

“Our platform has been developed to forge ever closer relationships between brands, their partners, and consumers. We’re pleased to be part of something that will benefit all parties.”

Matthew Primack, SVP licensing, IMG, said: “IMG has assisted the UFC in reaching new levels of consumer engagement through licensed consumer products. By offering UFC fans rewards for purchasing authentic product, the UFC brand is enhanced while fans are appreciated for their support.

“This is achieved through an innovative experiential rewards program designed and delivered in collaboration with Fabacus. The first live UFC redemption campaigns have delivered impressive results and we look forward to exploring more brand- enhancing and value-adding experiences for our clients in the future.”

Consumers will be presented with the opportunity to redeem rewards through Acoustix, the UFC Ultimate Sound music and media app provider, which will play a vital role in the rewards programme.

Xeni formed Fabacus in 2016 to bring innovative ways of working to the retail and licensing landscape. Fabacus has since gone from strength to strength, working with a growing community of partners and establishing a global headquarters in Soho Square, London.

Cube International named master licensee for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Posted on by

The sports specialists, Cube International, has been appointed master licensee for Birmingham 2022 and Commonwealth Sports, for designing, sourcing, delivering, and retailing a range of official products across the UK.

The first official products are scheduled to go on sale in the coming weeks across official Birmingham 2022 shops and other local and national retail outlets, as well as via a dedicated online shop accessed via the birmingham2022.com website.

Under the deal, around 1,500 products will be developed and sold, featuring Birmingham 2022, Commonwealth Sport and Home Nations branding. A first phase of merchandise, including hoodies and t-shirts, mugs, water bottles and pin badges will go on sale online in the next couple of months.

Cube International will also create exclusive ranges for the Birmingham 2022 official mascot, which will be unveiled later this year.

Around 35 official retail stores will be set up, including a Birmingham city centre megastore, and at a number of other city centre locations, transport hubs, Games venues and temporary live sites. Cube International will also be responsible for building and operating the official online store.

The retail stores will employ around 300 people, with staff recruited where possible with the support of the Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy, launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority to generate job opportunities for and improve the skills of local people. Roles will include customer service, security and warehousing positions.

In addition to these official retail stores, other local and national retailers are being encouraged to register their interest in selling Commonwealth Games products.

Games organisers are also keen to work with West Midlands firms to develop further product lines that bring the region’s creative flair to life. Retailers and manufacturers interested in finding out more can email Licensing@cgfpartnerships.com.

In line with Birmingham 2022 and Commonwealth Sport’s social value commitments, the range of products and the shops they are sold in will have a strong commitment to sustainability, with a focus on limiting single use plastics, responsibly managing waste materials, and reducing carbon emissions.

Ian Reid, Birmingham 2022 CEO, said: “Our retail offering will help to bring the Games to life, building excitement as Birmingham 2022 draws closer. It will also help to support the West Midlands’ economic recovery as we recruit around 300 people to work in our retail outlets in the run up to the Games.

“I’m also happy to be working with a Midlands business, Cube International, which has the global expertise to deliver this product range. I can’t wait to see a whole variety of Commonwealth Games items for sale online and in shops over the next few months. I’ll be first in line to buy a cuddly toy.”

Cube International is an expert sports retail, e-commerce, licensing, and merchandise business which works with international sports events such as The Rugby League World Cup 2021 and the Cricket World Cup, as well as with the NHS and brands including Sainsbury’s.

Andy Moss, Cube International’s executive chairman, added: “We are delighted to have been appointed the master licensee for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. The vision of the Games and the values that they represent harmonises with Cube’s working philosophy and enables us to fully collaborate across all areas to deliver an incredible experience for visitors, fans and commercial partners.

“It is incredibly exciting to be working with such an imaginative team and, together, we are looking to re-imagine and redefine major event retail. We very much look forward to opening our first official store and bringing to life an exciting and sustainable retail and merchandise programme.”